Cheyenne Jackson, Donna McKechnie, Frank Wildhorn, Cyndi Lauper and More Set for Birdland, Dec 2013
By: BWW News Desk Nov. 15, 2013
Birdland Jazz Club has announced their zesty line-up of impressive talent for the month of December 2013. Featuring: Michael Feinstein, Stacey Kent, Jazz Stories with Eddie Gomez, Kenny Barron, Al Foster, Wallace Roney, Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Cabaret, Cheyenne Jackson, Donna McKechnie, Frank Wildhorn & Friends with Jeremy Jordan, Laura Osnes, Jane Monheit and more, A Swinging Birdland Christmas, Native Soul, Victoria Shaw, Natalie Toro, Shoshana Bush, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, and more!
Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:
December 1 (Sunday) at 6PM & December 2 (Monday) at 9:15pm
in Debut at Birdland
Cheyenne Jackson is a multi-talented actor, singer and songwriter, and has just released an album of original music called "I'm Blue, Skies." In 2012 he released his first three singles "Drive," the Top 40 hit "Before You," and "Don't Wanna Know," all produced by Thomas "Tawgs" Salter. Combining stage, film, television, and concerts, Cheyenne continues to have one of the most diverse careers in entertainment. He was recently seen in Steven Soderbergh's "Behind The Candelabra" with Michael Douglas and Matt Damon, and will next be seen starring opposite Gena Rowlands in the feature film "Six Dance Lessons In Six Weeks" in early 2014.
All seats $45, $10 minimum
December 2 (Monday) at 7PM
With special guests Georgia Middleman & Gary Burr of Blue Sky Riders
Hosted by award winning songwriter Victoria Shaw, Under The Covers has become a favorite recurring highlight at Birdland, featuring a wide variety of top-selling songwriters and musical acts from across the pop, rock and country worlds, and offering intimate acoustic performances of huge hit songs - along with the little-known stories behind them. This event is part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series. Special guests will be Georgia Middleman and Gary Burr of Blue Sky Riders, a musical trio that also includes singer/songwriters Kenny Loggins. The band released their debut album, Finally Home, on their own record label, 3Dream Records, on January 29, 2013.
All tickets $25, $10 minimum
December 3-7 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11PM
Stacey Kent "The Changing Lights" CD Release Celebration
Acclaimed Grammy-nominated singer Stacey Kent sings from the soul, telling her stories with faultless phrasing and a lucid, enchanting voice. Stacey returns to Birdland to celebrate the release of her new CD, "The Changing Lights," (EMI) a follow-up to, "Dreamer In Concert," her first ever live album, the Grammy nominated, "Breakfast on the Morning Tram," (2007) and all-French, "Raconte-moi," (2009). Stacey's band features Jim Tomlinson (sax) whose songwriting partnership with famed novelist Kazuo Ishiguro has formed the central plank in Stacey's recent albums.All seats $45, $10 minimum
December 5 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Native Soul
A true musical collaboration, Native Soul brings together the experience and talent of four uniquely gifted instrumentalist/composers: bass virtuoso Marcus McLaurine, rising star pianist Noah Haidu, brilliant saxophonist Peter Brainin and dynamic drummer, Steve Johns. A quartet that understands completely the respect of each other's talent, Native Soul makes it almost impossible to single out a lead person. Winning over fans at home and abroad, Native Soul's exhilarating music shows their distinctive musical personality and a wide range of influences, including straight-ahead jazz, gospel, Brazilian, funk, Afro-Cuban, and blues. Native Soul has crafted their own powerful voice built on groove and feeling.All seats $25, $10 minimum
December 8 (Sunday) at 6PM
Natalie Toro moves with equal ease from stage to screen to the recording studio. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, she made her stage debut during "Amateur Night" at the legendary Apollo Theater at just five years old. That night truly changed her life. Natalie began studying intense music training at The Manhattan School of Music by joining the Preparatory Division where she studied classical piano and voice every week until she was eighteen - while at the same time reaching for the stars by attending The High School of Music and Art. Her training continued at The Boston Conservatory of Music where she earned a BFA in Musical Theater. It wasn't long after graduating that the professional theatre world took notice of her unique talent. Natalie was the first American to play the role of Eponine in Les Miserables on Broadway, which she played for over three consecutive years. She also received accolades and critical acclaim for her portrayal of Madame Defarge in A Tale of Two Cities, which she originated on Broadway. A special moment during the run for this Puerto Rican woman was receiving an award for her outstanding achievements in the performing arts for Puerto Rican Heritage Month. She also won Sarasota Magazine's "Best Supporting Actress" award when the show played its pre-Broadway run at the Asolo Repertory Theatre. Natalie was also featured in the concert version of A Tale of Two Cities that was filmed for PBS.
All seats $25, $10 minimum
December 9 (Monday) at 7PM
Tony Winner Donna McKechnie
With special guest Jerry Mitchell
Donna McKechnie, the Tony Award winning star of A Chorus Line, is regarded internationally as one of Broadway's foremost dancing and singing leading ladies. She has just completed filming a feature role in 36 SAINTS, which will be released next year, and recently appeared in John Doyle's Ten Cents A Dance at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey and the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Some of Ms. McKechnie's Broadway credits include: How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum,(National Tour), The Education of H*Y*M*A*N- K*A*P*L*A*N, Sondheim - A Musical Tribute (which she also choreographed), On The Town, Promises, Promises, Company and State Fair, for which she received the Fred Astaire Award for Best Female Dancer for the 1996 Season. Donna's new cabaret show Same Place, Another Time will be released the January 01, 2014 by Jay Records.
All seats $30, $10 minimum
December 10-14 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11PM
Jazz Stories: Eddie Gomez, Kenny Barron, Al Foster, Wallace Roney
Legendary bassist and two-time Grammy award winner Eddie Gomez has been on the cutting edge of music for over four decades. His impressive resumé includes performances with jazz giants such as MiLes Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Evans, Gerry Mulligan and Benny Goodman. At Birdland Gomez convenes an all-star group featuring pianist Kenny Barron, the Philadelphia native who is widely considered "one of the top jazz pianists in the world," (LA Times); Drummer Al Foster, who has been the rhythmic force in bands led by MiLes Davis, Joe Henderson, Sonny Rollins and many other jazz legends for over 50 years; and virtuoso trumpeter Wallace Roney who was considered the protégé and heir apparent to Dizzy Gillespie and MiLes Davis leading to a long recording and performing career with his own and other groups.All seats $40, $10 minimum
December 12 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Shoshana Bush
Jazz and blues vocalist, Shoshana Bush grew up in Los Angeles and has been living in New York for 6 years. In April 2013, Shoshana released her January recorded album "Shoshana Bush & Friends Live at Catalina Jazz Club." She has graced the stage of New York's infamous Birdland Jazz Club (her musical home-base) four times and on December 12th, 2013, she will be celebrating her album release show with another Birdland performance. Additionally, on November 20th, Shoshana will be opening up for Jane Monheit during her week-long performance at New York's esteemed Blue Note Jazz Club. Shoshana's *Catalina* album, and upcoming shows at Blue Note and Birdland are new milestones for this young Jazz and Blues singer on the rise. "Shoshana is a developing artist with a bright future as a jazz singer," Les Traub, Cabaret Scenes.All seats $25, $10 minimum
December 15 (Sunday) at 6PM
With Jeremy Jordan, Laura Osnes, Christiane Noll, Michael Lanning, Teal Wicks & Jane Monheit
Multi-Grammy and Tony Award nominated composer/producer Frank Wildhorn's works span the worlds of popular, theatrical, and classical music. In 1999, Frank became the first American composer in 22 years to have three shows running simultaneously on Broadway: Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Civil War. Also for Broadway: Dracula, Victor/Victoria, Wonderland, and Bonnie & Clyde (Tony Award nominated for Best Score). Frank produced Harlem Song at the famed Apollo Theatre. International: Cyrano, The Count of Monte Cristo, Carmen, Rudolf, Mitsuko, Never Say Goodbye, Camille Claudel, and Tears of Heaven. Frank served as music director for the Goodwill Games in New York City (1998). He wrote the song "Gold", the opening number for the 2002 Winter Olympics. He received the prestigious Charles Dickens Award from USC, where there is a scholarship under his name. Among the artists who have recorded and performed Frank's works: Whitney Houston (#1 international hit "Where Do Broken Hearts Go?"), Natalie Cole, Kenny Rogers, Sammy Davis, Jr., Liza Minnelli, Julie Andrews, Hootie & the Blowfish, The Moody Blues, Johnny Mathis, Linda Eder, FrEddie Jackson, Trisha Yearwood, Stacy Lattisaw, Molly Hatchet, Blues Traveler, Trace Adkins, Patti LaBelle, Jeffrey Osborne, BeBe Winans, Amy Grant, Anthony Warlow, to name a few.
All seats $35, $10 minimum
December 16 (Monday) at 7PM
True Colors Cabaret
With the cast of Tony-Award winning Kinky Boots
Lauper will join the cast of Kinky Boots to perform an eclectic array of standards, pop hits and other songs, with musical direction by the show's Tony Award-winning orchestrator Stephen Oremus. The evening will benefit the True Colors Fund, the organization Lauper co-founded to raise awareness about and bring an end to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth homelessness, and to inspire everyone, especially straight people, to become active participants in the advancement of equality for all.
Tickets range from $60-$250, $10 minimum
December 17-19 (Tuesday-Thursday) at 8:30PM
December 20-21 (Saturday-Sunday) at 8:30PM & 11PM
December 24-26 (Tuesday-Thursday) at 9:00PM
December 27-28 (Saturday-Sunday) at 8:30PM & 11PM
Michael Feinstein's "Holiday @ Birdland"
Michael Feinstein, the multi-platinum-selling, two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award-nominated entertainer dubbed "The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook," is considered one of the premier interpreters of American standards. His 200-plus shows a year have included performances at Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House and the Hollywood Bowl as well as the White House and Buckingham Palace. More than simply a performer, Feinstein has received national recognition for his commitment to celebrating America's popular song and preserving its legacy for the next generation. In 2007, he founded the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative, dedicated to celebrating the art form and preserving it through educational programs, Master Classes, and the annual High School Vocal Academy and Competition, which awards scholarships and prizes to students across the country. Michael serves on the Library of Congress' National Recording Preservation Board, an organization dedicated to ensuring the survival, conservation and increased public availability of America's sound recording heritage. Michael's Jazzy Holiday Band features: Warren Vaché (trumpet) Joel Frahm (saxes) Tedd Fith (piano) Sean Smith (bass) Mark McLean (drums)All seats $40, $10 minimum
December 17-19 (Tuesday-Thursday) at 11:00PM
Karrin Allyson's Yuletide Hideaway
For multiple Grammy nominated singer and pianist Karrin Allyson, the release of "Round Midnight," marked her thirteenth album in a 19-year association with the Concord Jazz label. Besides her distinctive voice, which, as described by jazz critic Gary Giddins, "brings a timbre that is part ice and part grain... incisive, original and emotionally convincing," one of the most noteworthy characteristics of Allyson's career is the wide range of material she has explored. "Karrin has expanded the jazz vocal repertoire," says Concord VP Nick Phillips, who cites her ease and authenticity in both French and Portuguese as well as her embrace of the Great American Songbook, roots music, bossa nova, blues and jazz. For her Birdland engagement, Karrin will celebrate the release of holiday CD, "Yuletide Hideaway."All seats $40, $10 minimum
December 21-25 (Saturday-Wednesday) at 6:00PM
KLea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso & Billy Stritch in "A Swinging Birdland Christmas"
Birdland is proud to announce the fourth year of "A Swinging Birdland Christmas," starring Birdland regulars KLea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch. This will be a limited engagement of 5 performances, Saturday, December 21 through Wednesday, December 25. All shows are at 6pm, except for the Saturday show, which has a 5:30pm show. In the tradition of beloved seasonal specials, Blackhurst, Caruso and Stritch will perform swinging arrangements of "Christmas Waltz," Kay Thompson's "Holiday Season," "Sleigh Ride," and "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" among other favorites. The singers will be joined by Steve Doyle on bass and Carmen Intorre on drums.All seats $30, $10 minimum
Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:
December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 (Sundays) at 9:00PM & 11PM
Arturo O'Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
Grammy Award winning pianist, composer and educator Arturo O'Farrill -- leader of the "first family of Afro-Cuban Jazz" (NY Times) -- was born in Mexico and grew up in New York City. Son of the late, great composer Chico O'Farrill, Arturo was Educated at Manhattan School of Music, Brooklyn College Conservatory and the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. He played piano in Carla Bley's Big Band from 1979 through 1983 and earned a reputation as a soloist in groups led by Dizzy Gillespie, Steve Turre, Freddy Cole, Lester Bowie, Wynton Marsalis and Harry Belafonte.All seats $30, $10 minimum
December 2 (Monday) at 11PM
December 9, 16, 23, and 30 (Mondays) at 9:30PM
Jim Caruso's Cast Party
Jim Caruso's Cast Party is a wildly popular weekly soiree that brings a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City every Monday night. It's a cool cabaret night-out enlivened by a hilariously impromptu variety show. Showbiz superstars, backed by Steve Doyle on bass, Tedd Firth on piano and Daniel Glass on drums, hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle.
All tickets $25, $10 minimum
December 4, 11 and 18 (Wednesdays) at 5:30PM
David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Eternity Band
Inspired by the noble jazz pioneers Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton and their colleagues, David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Eternity Band breathes life and passion into America's own great art form. Now in its 14th year of residency at Birdland, the weekly post-workday engagement is the city's best musical bargain! Tuba player David Ostwald leads a rotating lineup that features talents such as clarinetist Anat Cohen, trombonist/vocalist Wycliffe Gordon, pianist Ehud Asherie, drummer Marion Felder and more!All seats $25, $10 minimum
December 6, 13, 20, and 27 (Fridays) at 5:00PM
The Birdland Big Band
Founded by drummer and musical director Tommy Igoe, the Birdland Big Band features the finest musicians in New York! The BBB roars into action every Friday, playing the finest Jazz, Latin and Brazilian music from the world's best arrangers. After work or before a show, drinks or a great dinner, come hear one of the world's best drummers driving the hardest swinging band in New York. Experience why the BBB is fast becoming the must-see weekly jazz event in New York and kick off your weekend with what critics are calling "the best live music bargain in all of NYC!"All seats $30, $10 minimum
TICKET INFORMATION: Purchase tickets at: www.BirdlandJazz.com. For more information and reservations call 212-581-3080. Ticket prices will vary by performer. At the tables, there is a $10 food/drink minimum per person in addition to the music charge. At the bar, the music charge will include one complimentary drink with no additional minimum. Located at 315 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues), New York, NY 10036.
DISCOUNTS AND SPECIALS: Students (with current ID) & Broadway Theatre-Goers (with Broadway ticket stub from same day of performance): 50% off music charge at 11PM shows only.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Birdland serves American Fare with a Cajun Flair nightly from 5PM until Midnight and until 1AM on Friday and Saturdays. Parking is available across the street at 332 West 44th Street. Concert Grand Piano By: Yamaha.
ABOUT BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB: Named for alto saxophonist and jazz pioneer Charlie "Bird" Parker who dubbed it "The Jazz Corner of the World," Birdland opened on December 15th 1949. For 60 years it has been home to jazz legends, from Parker, John Coltrane Duke Ellington and Count Basie to Oscar Peterson, Hank Jones, Diana Krall and everyone in between. The original 52nd street location was a cultural barometer and meeting place, inspiring the songs "Birdland" and "Lullaby of Birdland," and serving as a regular haunt for celebrities and cultural figures. The modern incarnation is a state of the art nightclub featuring award winning Southern and Cajun cuisine, first rate sound and lighting and a who's who of contemporary musical artists, 7 nights a week.
For more information, visit www.BirdlandJazz.com, or follow BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB on Twitter: @birdlandjazz, Facebook, Instagram, and on Pinterest.Comments
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